LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL

LANGSIDE PRIMARY SCHOOL h 1906-2006 f PRIMARY SCHOOL LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL

This has been a very special year for Langside Primary, as we celebrate the schoolʼs tradition for excellence in learning, and for all the Langsiders - parents, pupils, staff and education authority - past and present, who have done so much to make the school what it is today.

I am privileged to be the current Head this excellent book to commemorate our Teacher of Langside, and in particular, schoolʼs centenary. Thank you Andrew. the leader of such splendid teams of In addition to becoming a landmark in people. The joy of watching the impact our schoolʼs history, this book makes a of everyoneʼs work (parents, staff and further contribution to the schoolʼs future pupils together) as our children develop endeavour, as all profit from sales will and grow into confident individuals with be dedicated to our campaign to support a broad range of skills, is immense! a new tradition for excellence in We are all therefore deeply indebted to education for all in Malawi. In so doing, Andrew Downie, father of current pupils Langside contributes to the growing Alasdair and Eleanor, for the passion, campaign to make third world poverty commitment, energy, and relentless a thing of the past. enthusiasm he has dedicated to crafting

Christine Wilson, Head Teacher

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 2 — — 3 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL EDUCATION IN THE 19TH CENTURY Whilst Langside School celebrates its Centenary in 2006, the story of education in the area begins a little earlier than 1906.

Before the 1870s many children in , thus: “It may be Boards were created to deliver it. received no education. For those who worthwhile to mention that some years School Board hastily opened could not afford to pay for an education, ago, when the regular teacher in the Crossmyloof Public School in November there was a limited supply of unregulated last-mentioned village fell into a decline, 1877, in temporary accommodation. schools. In an account of Cathcart Parish and the place became vacant for upwards In January 1879 it moved into its first from the 1790s there was “but one of two years, the more respectable of the proper home, in Stevenson Drive, now schoolmaster in the parish. Indeed, there inhabitants, who are mostly weavers, Deanston Drive. The school building is employment only for one. In the parish formed themselves into an educational still stands, having recently been school, there may be from 60 to 80 society, to be managed by twelve converted into flats. The Education scholars, who are taught reading, English directors, under the presidency of the Act also led to the first formal training Grammar, Writing, Arithmetic and Book- minister. A certain number of the more and qualifications for teachers, with keeping. It is seldom that a classical intelligent of the villagers who were the introduction of pupil teachers and education is required, and parents, whose willing to undertake the task of teachers, teacher training colleges. circumstances enable them to procure it were selected; a room was hired for the Crossmyloof Public School transferred for their children, repair to .” purpose, and a school opened from eight to the new building in Albert Road When the Rev James Smith to ten oʼclock at night, in which the (now Tantallon Road) in August 1906, described the Parish circa 1840 there teachers, two by two, in monthly turn, and became Langside Public School. were three schools, but education in gave gratuitous instruction to whatever The official opening of the new school the Crossmyloof and Langside area children were committed to their charge. was on 3rd September 1906, and the remained unpredictable. “...There is also The duty of the directors was principally Centenary of this event is celebrated on [a school] in the new village of Cathcart, to visit the school, and to wait upon Monday 4th September 2006. careless parents to urge upon them the well taught and well attended; and till of The following extracts are mostly propriety of securing to their children the late, there was one in Crossmyloof, but, from the school log books kept by the advantages which it offered. The plan the teacherʼs merits having procured him Head Teacher, which are now kept in was attended with the greatest success, promotion, it is now closed. These three the Mitchell Library. Rather than run and continued in active operation until schools were each on the mastersʼ own chronologically, they have been divided rendered unnecessary by the arrival of a adventure.” into topics, to illustrate the issues that regular teacher.” He noted how the provision of affected the school then, a surprising education could depend on local The Education Act of 1872 introduced number of which have a resonance today. enthusiasm, describing one of the compulsory education for all children Some reminiscences of former pupils are Cathcart schools, possibly that aged 5 to 13 years, and the School also included.

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 4 — — 5 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL accommodation. I was instructed by the committee to visit the latter is ready for occupation; and further resolve that thereafter Public Halls in the district and see if anything suitable could be Crossmyloof School shall be closed until required or otherwise THE ORIGINS OF THE SCHOOL got there. dealt with.” h1st Nov 1904 h14th Aug 1906 I have visited Langside Halls and find none of the rooms Work was commenced in the new Langside School on this suitable as class rooms for children. date. All the members of the Staff including the newly h9th Nov 1877 h16th Jan 1880 appointed ones were present. 536 pupils appeared, of these Crossmyloof Public School – This school was opened on 5th Inspectorsʼ Report for year ending 31st October 1879: h3rd Sep 1905 109 were new ones, 70 of whom were for Infant Department. November 1877 in the Hall of the U.P. Church Crossmyloof “This school has been removed since last inspection from I have received a note from our chairman of committee stating The first day of teaching in the new Langside by myself (J S Fleming) as Master and Miss Eliza Murray as inconvenient temporary premises into excellent new buildings. that I and my staff are to be transferred to the new school in Public School. Mistress. During the week the number of Scholars enrolled It is ably conducted and the results of the examinations are on Albert Road when ready. was 78. These we arranged and Classified according to their the whole very satisfactory, and give good promise of future h3rd Sep 1906 attainments; the requirements of the several standards of the success.” h4th Oct 1905 The public opening of the School was performed by the Right Revised Code being adopted as the basis of such classification. The following resolution was unanimously adopted by the board Hon Thomas Shaw K.C.M.P. Lord Advocate. The ceremony During the week the School was visited by Mr Martin member h3rd Nov 1881 subject to the modification that a thoroughly qualified teacher took place in the main hall of the building which was well filled of the School Board. Mr John Gilchrist, Student in E.C. Training College, Glasgow of Cookery and Laundry be appointed for the new School at by parents and invited guests. A stirring and eloquent address was today appointed Assistant in this School to begin work after Langside. was delivered and special advice given both to boys and girls. h13th Dec 1878 Xmas holidays. Copy of resolution: Mr Shaw also addressed the senior pupils in their class rooms. Cathcart Crossmyloof Temporary Public School Renfrew John Gilchrist was to become the first Head of Langside “In view of Crossmyloof School being too small for the needs The School was officially opened by Thomas Shaw, the Report: School on its opening in 1906. of the District, the Board hereby resolve that in the public Lord Advocate, later 1st Baron Craigmyle. The Glasgow interest and for reasons of efficiency and economy, the staff Herald of Thursday September 4th, 1906 contained “The order and discipline are not good, and the general and scholars shall be transferred to Langside School when the a lengthy report of the opening ceremony. character of the work is not above fair. The work of the h25th Jan.1884 higher standards is poor, arithmetic especially being almost Extract from Report on Queenʼs Park & Crossmyloof: a complete failure. “These are two of the best schools I have inspected...” “The premises are not very suitable for school purposes, but the 19th Feb 1897 new building is almost ready for occupation. My lords will look h The old Crossmyloof Public Mr Thomson left to-day to take charge of new school at School in Deanston Drive for better results next year. Mt Florida. Mr Erskine also severed his connection with “Clark must improve.” Crossmyloof going with Mr Thomson to Mt Florida. Staff: J S Fleming 3rd Class Eliza Murray 3rd Class h22nd Feb 1897 John Clark P.T. 1st year Commenced duties as head-master this morning. Signed: W S Crawford. Clerk These two entries in the log from February 1897 The U.P. Church, which proved unsuitable as a school, were the first written by Mr Gilchrist. was rebuilt in 1896 and later became St Helenʼs Catholic Church. h8th Jan 1903 h6th Jan 1879 I submitted to the committee a report showing the enormous increase in houses that is taking place in Crossmyloof District The new school was opened today at 10am by Mr Andrew of the Parish and the necessity for increased school Thomson and Miss Eliza Murray. John Clark and Mary Wallace accommodation in the near future. There are at present newly entered upon their duties as Pupil Teachers. There were present finished, or under construction 640 houses. Many more are to 126 pupils. Mr Thomson has to remark that the school is quite be built. devoid of organisation and discipline, and altogether in a most wretched condition. The pupils at the same time seem to be h23rd Sep 1904 fairly intelligent. Mr Martin, member of Cathcart School Board, A meeting of school committee was held this afternoon Captain Stewart, a former member of Board, Rev Mr McNeil, when the question of extra accommodation, particularly for Langside Mission Church, and Mr Fyfe of Queens Park P. the Infant Department, was discussed. It was resolved to try School called today. and secure the use of the hall of the church adjoining the school, for this purpose. h8th Oct 1879 Recd notice from Clerk that...it was decided to begin evening h28th Oct 1904 classes in this school, the Board having been requested to do so At the committee meeting yesterday it was reported that the by the inhabitants of Crossmyloof. hall adjoining the church could not be obtained for extra

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 6 — — 7 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL After referring in eulogistic terms to the equipment of the school, his Lordship remarked that THE LORD-ADVOCATE IN GLASGOW Dr Watson was leading them a pretty dance if the expense was to go on at that rate. (Laughter.) He reminded them that when Lord Youngʼs Act of 1872 was passed the population of that OPENING OF LANGSIDE PUBLIC SCHOOL parish was 7000 souls; now it was 37,000. There were a few hundred children in those days; SPEECH ON EDUCATION now there were between 5000 and 6000 pupils. Here therefore was a case in which persons seeking for a remedy for a difficult problem would have been at their witʼs end. They would have said – How can we construct an organisation that will contain men who will face problems The right Hon. Thomas Shaw, K.C., M.P., Lord-Advocate, visited Glasgow yesterday, and of constant and developing difficulties? Speaking as a Scotchman, he was proud of his country opened the new school erected at Langside by the Cathcart School Board. The ceremony when he thought it had been a country with School Boards like Cathcart, that could discern the was held in the Central Hall, and was largely attended. Dr. William Watson, chairman of the movements of the times and adapt themselves to the want of the situation. The Cathcart Board Board, presided, and he was accompanied on the platform by the Lord-Advocate, Mr Robert had shown intimate knowledge of the needs of the parish. Laidlaw, M.P., Rev. James Fraser; Mr. R.S. Allan, chairman of Glasgow School Board, Mr. G.J. Cameron, clerk of Cathcart School Board; Mr Andrew Balfour, F.R.I.B.A., architect; and Mr. The article continues with a lengthy report of the Lord-Advocate’s speech, in which John S. Gilchrist, headmaster of Langside School. he praises the Scottish education system and School Boards, and makes disparaging remarks about the English system by comparison. The new school has been built on a portion of the ground formerly known as the Blue Bell Wood, Langside. It stands on a fine open rising space facing Albert Road, which was of In conclusion, Mr. Shaw addressed some words of advice to the pupils, and then declared sufficient area to permit accommodation for 1200 scholars in a two-storey building. Adjoining the school open. the school are laundry and drill-hall buildings and cookery-room, and there is ample space Mr. Andrew Balfour, the architect for the school, presented the Lord-Advocate with a gold key, for playgrounds. The main school buildings consist of two floors with ten class-rooms in each, and after the usual votes of thanks had been bestowed, the proceedings terminated. accommodating 60 scholars, and making provision in all for 1200 scholars. Being simple and uniform in plan, the working of the school should be thereby greatly facilitated. Boysʼ and Lady Campbell Bannerman was the wife of the Glasgow born Liberal British Prime Minister, girlsʼ entrances are placed at either end, giving access to a spacious central hall, off which Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman. open the various class-rooms on the ground floor. Ample cloak and lavatory accommodation is provided at each entrance. A well-lighted and spacious corridor running at right angles to this hall leads to infantsʼ entrance and cloakrooms, while it also communicates with the group of And thus began the first hundred buildings connected to ground floor of school, comprising large drill-hall, cookery-room, and years of Langside School. The laundry. The entire heating of the buildings is accomplished by radiators, while the vitiated air is following pages give a little insight extracted by means of large flues in the walls near the ceilings of the class-rooms connected by shafts to two main extractors fitted with 4ft. diameter electric fans. The fresh air is drawn in from into how life in the school in its early outside gratings and warmed by passing over heated radiators. The buildings, which are of red years compares with today. sandstone, are designed in the Italian Renaissance style of architecture, and form a dignified and effective group. The school has been built from the designs and under the supervision of Mr Early class Andrew Balfour, F.R.I.B.A., architect, Glasgow. photos, from The Chairman, in an opening address, said that a century ago there were only 600 1906 (above) inhabitants in Cathcart Parish, and there was only one small school. Now they had a and 1918 population of over 40,000, and educationally the parish stood as the tenth largest parish in (below) . During the last few years the minds of the Board had been occupied with school accommodation, and now they congratulated themselves that for some time at least they would be able to supply the needs of the district. He referred to the fact that their existence as a Board had been threatened; but he thought that if a new Education Bill was introduced into Scotland they might congratulate themselves that the parish would still be an educational unit. He concluded by calling on the Lord-Advocate to open the school. The Lord-Advocate began his address by making a touching reference to the death of Lady Campbell Bannerman, which is reported in another column. Proceeding, he congratulated all concerned in the erection of the handsome building in which they were gathered together, paying a high tribute to Mr Balfour, the architect, for the ingenious manner in which he had solved the difficulty of building on a sloping piece of ground. The school had already been open a fortnight, and there were no fewer than 850 scholars on the roll. As the accommodation was limited to 1200, he supposed that before another fortnight elapsed the Board would be considering the erection of another building. (Laughter.)

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 8 — — 9 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL SCHOOL REPORTS

The annual grant to the school was calculated on h4th Feb 1907 the average number of children attending, hence the Report 31st Jan 1907: importance placed on attendance by the Head, evident ”The numbers in attendance have largely increased since the throughout the log books. However funding was cut for opening of the school, and in all the Divisions the work is being pupils too old for their class (payment by results?), and prosecuted with vigour, intelligence and praiseworthy success.” there was much disgruntlement in the logs about the number of pupils entering school at a late age, usually h13th Jan 1908 from outside the Parish. This problem was reflected Summary of Inspectorsʼ Report: again the next year. “Of the children that entered school for the first time this session, 34 were over six years of age. As the majority of these h1st Feb 1911 had received no instruction at home there appears to be some Report: “Attention is particularly directed to the question reason for a more vigorous enforcement of the compulsory of attendance in connection with this School. The record for clauses of the Education Acts. The number of children in the the past year is not satisfactory and suggests the necessity Infant Division might be materially reduced. for the continuance of the more vigorous enforcement of the “The work of the school is carried on in all departments with Compulsory Clauses. It is observed that a number of the pupils praiseworthy vigour and success. Attendance seems to be more over 12 years of age have attended badly. This matter should be regular in certain classes than others, and the percentage of brought to the notice of the Boardʼs Attendance Officer. average attendance has declined. “The increased grant has been allowed with hesitation on “It is hoped that provision will soon be made for some form account of the unusually large proportion of pupils over of Manual Instruction in connection with the Supplementary 7 years of age in the Infant Department.” Course (Boysʼ section). The girls receive efficient instruction “Amount of Grant £1187.7.3 on an average attendance of 938.” in Cookery and Laundry work.” h26th Nov 1914 h21st Dec 1908 Report: “The general condition of the school is very satisfactory, Summary of Inspectorsʼ Report: and reflects the greatest credit on the zeal and efficiency of “While no small part of the work of the Senior Division the staff....The Infant Department under the supervision of the in distinctly good, one or two points of importance in regard zealous headmistress continues to make a very satisfactory to the teaching of Practical Geometry, Nature Knowledge and appearance. Payment of the increased grants for merit will History require attention. The qualifying class shows very good again be recommended.” advantage in Reading, Composition and Arithmetic and through out the Division, Drawing, including shading is well taught. h4th Jan 1933 Under oral examination the pupils of Senior II(b) are somewhat Report: “There are at present six vacant rooms in these very inert and unresponsive. attractive modern premises. The present depression is not “The Infant Department maintains its reputation for very unduly affecting the 678 pupils on the roll, so that the conditions satisfactory work, but the large proportion of children over are in every way conducive to good work in the classroom...” 7 years of age at the commencement of the session renders it difficult to recommend the highest grant. In future years h27th Jun 1935 this condition of things, for which the teachers are not Parentsʼ Day. An exhibition of School Work was held today responsible, may be considered a deficit in organisation, and followed by a two hoursʼ demonstration in the Gymnasium treated accordingly. The large number of pupils over 12 years of all School Activities. The display was greatly appreciated of age in the Senior Division who have not yet reached the by about three hundred parents. Supplementary Course is also noted in this connection.

School Staff 1907-08 consisted of: h5th Jan 1939 13 teachers, including the Head Report: “For a diminishing roll of 493 ample and comfortable Not everyone was so impressed, as this 1906 postcard illustrates. It reads: “This is the 7 teachers in the Infant Department accommodation is provided. Most of the children come from new Langside School. It is on the Albert Road and looks up Walton St. It is not much to Grant earned £1009.10.9 equal to £1.4.83⁄4 per head. good homes, so that the number in receipt of free clothing and look at outside but it is very grand inside, as we the ratepayers know.” Average attendance for the year 816. milk is small...”

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 10 — — 11 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE DISCIPLINE

h5th Nov 1906 h7th Sep 1908 h9th Oct 1879 brutal description. I advised the withdrawal of his children if he was dissatisfied, and intimated that any further communication The attendance is very poor, especially in the Inf. Dep., where 928 children present this morning, 1032 on roll. A case of theft in Junior Department occurred to-day. The boy would be put in the fire unread. about 100 children are absent. Colds form the chief cause of Robert B., through want of proper supervision at home, the absence. Attendance 797. h29th Dec 1908 mother being dead, and father at work, is rapidly becoming h28th Feb 1883 A severe snowstorm is raging today accompanied a nuisance to the neighbourhood. At the earnest solicitation Mr M.ʼs family still attending, and no further annoyance has h26th Dec 1906 by a biting east wind. The attendance has fallen to 670. of the father the case was not reported to the police, in order been given by him, further than a visit to my house on Monday to give the boy another chance. The father was recommended Attendance very poor, only 641 present. eve, when I was from home. He was told by Mrs Thomson that to put him into an industrial school in order to have him h6th Oct 1910 I did everything in connection with the school at the school properly looked after. h29th Jun 1907 The attendance has reached 1032 which is about 94% house. This is, I am glad to say, a case of rare occurrence. Mr John L Whyte J.P., member of the board, presented a pupil of our roll. h23rd Feb 1883 Mr M. subsequently complained to the School Board, (Sam OʼHara) with a watch for five years perfect attendance. On 9th Oct 1911 the attendance reached an all time but unsuccessfully, the Board failing to agree that they Recd a very impertinent letter from Mr M. about his daughter record 1070 pupils present out of 1100 on the roll, should believe the testimony of a 10 year old over the Jemima having been punished. Having investigated the matter, h10th Sep 1907 despite a measles outbreak. signed statements of five of the teaching staff. found that the girlʼs story was false in nearly every item. The Crossmyloof School must have re-opened at some Total number attending school 1054 correct version was given as a simple statement, without any point. It closed again in the summer of 1922, teachers h30th Nov 1898 5-7 years 224 reference to the impertinence. Above 7 years 830 and 98 pupils transferring to Langside. The Langside Mr Ferguson has to-day informed me that he has been appointed roll was 945 that year. It subsequently gradually fell. h26th Feb 1883 Head-master of the Training Ship “Empress”. His duties are to h7th Jan 1908 The headmaster appeared not to approve of his new begin on the 3rd January 1899. d employers, when Cathcart School Board was replaced Rec a lengthy document from Mr M., which I did not read, but The attendance since the new year has been very poor, many The “Empress”, the former HMS Revenge, was the by Glasgow Education Authority c.1920. consigned to the flames, after giving it to my assistant to read, in second training ship moored on the Clyde and run by classes having fully 20% of absentees. Illness largely accounts order to ascertain if there was any apology. Mr Gilchrist having the Clyde Industrial Training Ship Association. It was for this – measles, whooping cough, mumps and colds being the read it said that the language was of the most impertinent and chief causes of absence. h8th Jan 1923 sold for scrap in 1923. I have received notice today from the Authority that our five h28th Jan 1908 infant classes are to be made into four and a teacher relieved so that she may be transferred to another school. This is the The attendance has fallen to 738 on account of a very severe third time since coming under the authority that changes of this snow storm and boisterous weather. nature have had to be made by their orders. It by no means leads to Educational efficiency

HOLIDAYS

h28th Jun 1907 Christmas Day opening was unusual. School holidays are illustrated by the 1916 dates: The School was closed for the Summer Holidays on this date. Christmas Day 1 day The prizes were distributed by Messrs McNeill Frazer and Dec 29 – Jan 8 5 days New Year John L Whyte members of the Board. The distribution took Apr 5 – Apr 16 6 days Easter place in the Gymnasium and there were many parents present. May 23 1 day Kings Birthday Afterwards the Staff met in the cookery room and presented Mr Jun 29 – Sep 3 45 days Summer Donald Watson with several handsome volumes of Scott and Dickens, also a letter sachet. The school reopens on 2nd Sept. h12th Nov 1920 The Authority has sent notice that the Christmas and New Year 25th Dec 1911 h Holidays are to extend from the afternoon of Friday 24th Dec to Christmas Day – school open – attendance 772. the morning of Monday 10th January. The band of the training ship “Empress’

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 12 — — 13 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL h10th Apr 1900 h4th Jun 1907 Several of the lady teachers have been complaining of losing I have had to attend the J.P. Court on account of the boy S. S.ʼs FIRM BUT FAIR money from their jackets in the private rooms. A watch was case was postponed for a week, to see if he could be placed in set and the guilty party found to be a boy in the senior class an industrial school. – Gilbert H., 5 Battlefield Crescent, Langside. His parents are most respectable, and I have advised them to withdraw the h7th Jan 1908 For those fortunate to have never with the senior pupils. This culminated yesterday in a general boy from Crossmyloof School, in order to save public disgrace. Hector C. a pupil in Senior III was yesterday taken to Rose St disregard of his authority, - shouting and whistling taking place This has been done. encountered a tawse, it is a leather Industrial School. He was on the roll here for about eighteen in the lines. Mr Baxter lost control of his temper and struck months, and from the first was a notorious truant. The home strap used for corporal punishment. one of the senior boys, newly come to school. The boys of 11th Apr 1900 h circumstances of the boy were of the worst. It was only banned in state schools the Supplementary Class complained to me, and from them I obtained the above particulars. Mr Baxter roundly blamed I have a note from Mr H., thanking me for considering their Rose St is now Florence St, in the . in 1986, and completely in 1998. feelings, and intimating the withdrawal of the boy. the Supplementary boys as being the cause of the breach, but h5th Nov 1909 Over one hundred years earlier, in this morning handed me the names of two boys not in the h20th Dec 1906 Supplementary Class who were accused of shouting. At the J.P Court today W., 2 Wellroad Place was fined 10/6 for late 1897, there are several entries I took this opportunity of reprimanding Mr B for his action in I was at the Sheriff Court today. Jas S. Crossmyloof Buildings neglecting the education of his son Andrew. This is the second regarding parentsʼ complaints about the playground and also pointed out to him that he was probably was before Sheriff for irregular attendance. His mother did not conviction. appear and case was postponed. the excessive use of the tawse by h11th Jan 1911 Miss McClure, who was warned by h24th Dec 1906 At a J.P. Court held on 30th Dec 1910 John W., a pupil in Jun Mr Gilchrist on several occasions. S.ʼs mother was today fined at the Sheriff Court in 7/6 or five I class was sent to the Training Ship for a number of years on This came to a head in December. days imprisonment. Seven days were allowed to pay the fine. account of his truancy and general bad behaviour. h7th Dec 1897 h6th Feb 1907 17th Feb 1911 h A meeting of the school committee... The parents of Liz G., Jas S., Sarah D. and Hector & Robert C. Before Sheriff Boyd today. Andrew W., 22 Baker Street The meeting was specially convened to consider my complaint were before the Board on Monday evening on account of the Crossmyloof was summoned for neglecting the education of his about Miss McClureʼs treatment of the children in her class and irregularity of their children. All with the exception of G. boy Willie. Attendance Orders had been passed on two previous the numerous complaints that had been received from parents are to be prosecuted before the Sheriff should the attendance occasions. The Sheriff ordered the boy to be detained on the by me. The various entries in the log book were considered not improve. Training Ship till he was 16 years of age. Parents to contribute and after hearing Miss McClureʼs statements, and the display 1/6 per week towards his upkeep. h19th Apr 1907 of temper which she showed while under examination, 1/6 per week (1 shilling & sixpence) is about £5 per the committee had no hesitation in deciding to ask for her A collection of tawse used in Scottish Schools I was at the J.P. Court in the city today. The boy S. was week now. resignation. It was agreed to give her a monthʼs salary in again the cause. His mother appeared, and an attendance advance in place of working her notice. After some hesitation more to blame than the boys, owing to his treatment of the order was passed. she wrote out her resignation. latter, and I also let him know that I did not intend to punish any Another example of indiscipline amongst the children, of the boys, the uproar being general in all the senior classes. where the outcome was not as one might have predicted: Several of the boys I reprimanded individually in my room, and A class from I also spoke to the boys of each class and pointed out the serious the late1920s h11th Oct 1912 nature of the offence they had committed. Mr Baxter who for some time has had charge of the boys at Mr Smith now assists in the playground. their lines in the playground has got into serious disagreement

POVERTY

h2nd July 1910 Joseph G. has been granted exemption [from school] by the School Board. He is 13 9/12 years of age and is in class Sen I. His father is blind and the family is in very poor circumstances.

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 14 — — 15 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL h1st Dec 1916 Bailie McNab a member of the Glasgow Education Authority came out in the afternoon and addressed the children in the THE LAW Miss McLean has told me that she is sending in her resignation Central Hall. He also introduced the new Headmaster. The to the Board as she is about to be married. This is the fourth pupils were afterwards dismissed for the day. notice of marriage within the last two months among members of the staff. h28th Sep 1923 New laws were intended to prevent h8th Apr 1908 h6th Dec 1916 Scholars arranged in hall at 4pm and portrait of Mr John S Gilchrist presented by Mr James Wright; this portrait to be the abuse of children through I have sent off to the Clerk a Return for the Board of the number The Board has agreed to retain the services of Misses Robertson hung up in school hall by direction of Ed. Auth. employment: of children violating the Bye-Laws of the Board in connection and Forsyth on the Staff. These ladies are about to be married, Thus departed Mr Gilchrist, the first head teacher with the Employment of Children Act 1903. From the list we and the young men are on active service. find there are 13 boys and girls attending this school violating of Langside. A newspaper article of the time noted h24th Mar 1908 his long career thus: these bye-laws. The physical condition of some of these h13th Apr 1923 I sent off a statement to the Board today giving particulars of children is most pitiful. I have drawn the personal attention of the number of children employed mornings and evenings and several members of the Board to this matter. Today I retired from the Headmastership of Langside School. pointing out certain infringements of the Boardʼs Bye Laws under the Employment of Children Act 1903. 27 YEARS A LIFE AS A TEACHER HEADMASTER GLASGOW MANʼS LONG SERVICE well liked by teachers and pupils. Before leaving she h4th May 1910 Mr. John S. Gilchrist, F.E.I.S., who was presented with a case of knives and forks by the retires from service of the Glasgow On my recommendation the Board has granted Miss McDonald Staff, and several useful articles from the pupils. ten pounds of an increase to her salary, making it now £160. Educational Authority this month, has The difficulties of war brought about a change been a headmaster for 27 years, at first Miss McDonald was Head Teacher of the Infant Division. in attitude: in Crossmyloof School, and latterly in Her salary equates to about £11,000 now. Langside School. h23rd Nov 1916 In his younger days Mr. Gilchrist h19th Mar 1913 Miss Forsyth has sent word to the Board that she is about to be was a noted footballer. He played for Mr McNab, one of our teachers, who is to be married tomorrow, married to Mr Smith, a member of the staff here, and at present Glasgow Thistle for about ten seasons, has been presented with a Rosewood timepiece and ornaments on Military Service. She asks the Board to allow her to remain and was president of Glasgow Football by the members of the Staff. Today his pupils gave him on the staff under the exceptional circumstances. Association in 1892-93. a handsome umbrella in honour of the event. Female teachers, on the other hand, were required Class from May 1948 to resign from the school Records suggest he also played for when they were to be Thistle, scoring an impressive married. 12 goals in 9 appearances for them in the 1892-93 season. h1st Sep 1914 During the holidays Miss Wiseman sent in her resignation. She was married towards the end of August. h30th Jun 1915 Miss Baird, who has been on the Staff since the opening of this school (Aug 1906) left today as she proposes marriage. She has been an excellent teacher, painstaking and attentive to her duty, and

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 16 — — 17 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL I remember...Teachers

Miss Davie was our teacher and one I remember with great affection I liked Miss I have vivid memories of the dreaded Miss Weir; if you could not produce a clean handkerchief “for herself and her influence on my life and hopefully others. “Cameron very much, “when entering her class you were sent home to get one, and if you used the said handkerchief to Miss Davie drew our attention to the quality of the architecture of our her word was law, blow your nose, you were sent out to ‘wash your hands, you disgusting child’. There were no towels school. I must say as a nine year old I had not noticed nor considered and woe betide you in the toilet so you stood in front of the class until your hands were dry! Happy days. any building as more than a functional object. if you were not in Douglas Meikle, c1940 ” This awareness I found inspirational and it led to my career as a teacher bed by 7 o’clock of art. – she would know! My memory of A Gardner,” c1936 Miss Disher was one of these teachers who didn’t just teach the curriculum, but went further if the Miss Weir is of “opportunity presented, so I got a flying start in secondary school by having been introduced to the someone tall and wonders of Algebra and Calculus before I started at Senior secondary. thin with white hair We loved being in Miss Taylor’s class as we had films once a week, who wore a lot of Gilmour Kerr, c1942, who later put those maths skills to good use working on the Space Shuttle’s ”robotic arm “& as she was in charge of films, we had to stay till the films were rewound black and had long which was a great delight to us all, especially when divers went backwards line cardigans with on to the diving board. two pockets where Miss Disher Bunty Mulholland, c1932” she kept her hankies. “regularly held She was very fussy sessions in place about her hankies of PT when we and always folded learned how to There was a teacher who had been brought back due to war shortages them exactly back to waltz as well as the “called ‘Baldy’ Baxter. He had obviously not a hair on his head and his shape after she had military two step eyesight was very poor. His favourite phrase was ‘I’ve got the tawse in used them. and the valetta. my pocket’ which he used frequently but often missed, due to his eyesight. Kathleen Nisbett,” James Manderson,” There was much sign language humour behind his back. c1942 c1942 Jack Dougan, c1945 ”

Mr Faulds should “go down in history I think for creating the Langside boys football team. Mr Faulds with James Manderson,” his class, 1950. c1942

Mr Faulds & the Langside Boys Football Team in May 1948. Mr Tulloch, the Head Teacher, is on the left.

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 18 — — 19 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL Everything was on a vast scale – the hall where we gathered after the IN CLASS “bell rang – the loud music thumped out on the piano to get us lined up & marching into our classrooms, and the sheer size of the doors with brass handles, which were very heavy to push open. There was a plump ginger-haired girl in my class who came up to me on my very first day in the playground, saying ‘Be my neebur’. She h26th May 1913 h5th Jan 1914 was quite threatening, so I nodded, not having a clue what she meant. The Qualifying Exam was held this afternoon. Fifty one pupils Eleven pupils who passed the Qualifying Exam in Dec 1913 Evidently, I found out later when I understood the language, that this was were presented, 26 from Mr Bicketʼs class and 25 from Mr have gone to HG Schools, also two from Supp Class, thirteen an honour to be asked by her, to be her neighbour. It also made me her Smithʼs. All passed. The average age was Mr Smithʼs 13 3/12, in all. Of these nine have gone to Queenʼs Park, three to slave, although I was not told these details at the time. Consequently, Mr Bicketʼs class 12 7/12. Hutchesonʼs and one to Allan Glenʼs. when I didn’t conform to her wishes, she then became a bully. This lasted The Qualifying Examination became better known some time, until the school was closed during the bombing of Glasgow. 19th Jun 1913 h later as the 11 Plus, and was a requirement to I was quite good at drawing & well remember copying the Glasgow The children of the Infant Department gave an entertainment enter a Higher Grade School. Coat of Arms in chalk from a book onto the blackboard, when we were in the Hall this evening. The principal item was a Kinderspiel taught the verse about the bird, tree, fish and bell. composed by Miss Jessie Robertson, a member of the staff. 23rd Dec 1914 h Marjorie Brown, c1938 ” The hall was well filled and the performance very successful. We had fire drill in school this morning. All the pupils were cleared out in 1min 40sec. In 1936 the entire school was cleared in an impressive one minute. A weekly medal was presented to a deserving pupil who wore it each “day to school. With some modesty, I admit to winning it quite often and on each occasion my mother provided a fresh piece of ribbon. Jess Turpie, c1934 ”

I remember...Class We moved house in 1946 so I was never to know the pleasure of “being in one of the upstairs rooms. I wonder what tales I would have to tell if I had ever made it to there. Kathleen Nisbet, c1942 ”

There was a piano If you were there - you will remember! Probably because of post-war “in the centre [of the “tendencies, we were marched to our classes to the accompaniment of central hall] and a stirring march tunes. Every time I hear one nowadays, I’m instantly stepping The classrooms talented pupil or back to whichever part of the building our classrooms were. As children, “were set out in Langside’s first Head teacher played there we took it for granted. I haven’t ever met anyone from any other schools rows of wooden Teacher, Mr Gilchrist, with class, c1920. while the pupils filed to be given this special inspiration!! seats and desks. The desks had lids into their classrooms. Valerie Hendry, c1955 ” and we kept our Jack Dougan, c1945” brown work jotter in them. We used All the classes marched into school to piano accompaniment. The piano to get homework was in the main hall and the pianist had to play suitable marching music I used to play “ every night except till all classes had been reached. It was a great honour to be picked to “piano for the pupils Friday. If you were play, and I had the honour to play. A terrifying experience. marching into the clever you sat in school from their line- Bunty Mulholland, c1932 ” the front row of the up in the playground. class and the seats The piano was were numbered situated upstairs on Elizabeth Luke took piano lessons and I remember the day I stood 1-30, 1 being the the balcony (south “beside the piano in the middle of the hall clapping in time to her playing cleverest person and side of the school). while everyone marched from their classrooms to go to the cloakrooms 30 being the least Jean Hamilton, 1951” to go out to play. cleverest person. Kathleen Nisbett, ”c1942 Beth Drydens, c1975”

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 20 — — 21 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL I remember...Refreshments I remember...the Playgrounds

The temperature of the free School dinners were horrible. Milk available if you wanted it before I remember the I remember my very first day...At mid-morning recess, we were “playtime – warm as it always sat beside the radiator. “playgrounds. The “released into the infant playground, which was part of the girl’s school milk Mrs Lennon, c1970 ” higher playground playground. seems one of always had 3-4 My sister, Ellen, who is my senior by three and a half years, saw me the strongest separate games of there and informed me that I was in the wrong playground, that the boys football going on playground was at the other end of the school, so she escorted me out memories! We used to get a triangle carton of milk every morning and if the crate and the keepers had to the street, and round to the boys playground. was left next to the radiator, the milk was horrible. “ to keep switching. Of course, when the call was made to line up to go back into the Beth Drydens, c1975 ” John Warren, c1967” The boys would school, there was no line for my class. I have taken my sister’s opinions “put the crate on with a grain of salt ever since! the floor under the Gilmour Kerr, c1942 ” radiator so it did not Each morning we received free school milk in little 1/3 pint bottles. These I remember with always taste very “in winter were placed on the spaces on top of the central heating radiators “a certain amount of nice. to ‘take the chill off’. It is not difficult to imagine how many of these were pride the day our I remember the feeling of ‘high status’ when I was allowed up into Kathleen” Nisbett, broken. class were granted “the high playground; taking part in one of the footie matches where if c1942 Jack Dougan,” 1945 permission to use the you were in goals you shared the goal area with about 3 other keepers. upper playground Four matches going on at the same time. Also the daring forays over the legally, we fence into the girls playground, watching you didn’t catch your trouser considered ourselves On the cold mornings mothers used to come to the school gates at the morning interval with a hot leg at the top of the fence! to be in the big boys drink, tea, Oxo, Bovril, in a little china jug...No tea ever tasted as good as that morning cuppa. Alan Hughes, c1972 ” “ league; we were Bunty Mulholland, c1932 ” elite, so to speak. Douglas Meikle, ” c1940

I remember...Classmates

One of He was called Ian MacGeachy then and always wore a bow tie. Langsideʼs more “Definitely not the right image for a future rock star. famous pupils John Galt, c1955 ” is the folk rock guitarist, John Martyn.

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 22 — — 23 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL PHONICS HEALTH DISEASE

One hundred years ago they h8th Feb 1901 h28th Feb 1907 h17th Dec 1909 were arguing about the benefits I have to-day written to several parents drawing their A great number of the infants are off suffering from We now have 17 cases of measles, necessitating the absence of teaching reading by Phonics. attention to the cigarette smoking of their boys, and asking whooping cough. A case of Scarlet Fever was reported of about 45 children. Nearly all are from the Woodville And still they argue... their co-operation in trying to put down the evil. on Monday 25th Inst. Gardens district. The winter of 1907-08 was particularly difficult for h7th Feb 1911 the school: h30th Dec 1909 h4th Feb 1907 Gave out syllabus on Temperance to the Staff today with Our measles cases now number about 60. The attendance has Report 31st Jan 1907: instructions that these lessons are to be given during the month h2nd Dec 1907 fallen to 770. “The phonic system of teaching to read, which has been of June each year. This was the recommendation of the Board. Several cases of measles have been reported last week. This introduced into the Infant Department has been attended morning I have heard of three cases. Isolated cases of Scarlet h23rd Mar 1911 with very good results.” h4th Jun 1926 Fever are also cropping up. A few cases of Diphtheria (five in all) have been reported On 2nd June at midday I sent Bella W. (S III) home on a/c of during the past four or five weeks. All of these children are from h16th Sep 1907 offensive odour about her which made it impossible to have her h3rd Dec 1907 room 2. I have ordered rooms 1 & 2 to be thoroughly washed I had a meeting with my staff this afternoon re - Phonic System in school. There are now about twenty cases of measles reported today, out and disinfected. and the necessity for all the staff becoming familiar with it. Six of these are from Miss Mary Robertsonʼs class. In November measles returns with a vengeance. The outbreak affected about 120 pupils. Only h26th Sep 1907 h6th Dec 1907 a month earlier the school attendance had reached a record 1070. Eleven members of the staff here – including self – have I have today received notice from the Clerk that the medical agreed to take special lessons on the Phonetic System of officer of health had ordered the Infant Department and also the teaching reading. classes corresponding to Junior III to be closed for three weeks. h7th Nov 1911 A class from 1977 Miss Mary Robertson has now thirteen cases of measles in her In Miss MacKayʼs class there are only seven pupils present class (Junior III(a)). out of a roll of 54.

h13th Dec 1907 h27th Nov 1911 Several fresh cases of measles reported. The attendance The epidemic of measles is now nearly over. We have not had is falling considerably. Average 460. a new case since 15th Nov. The children are now returning to school. We are having considerable trouble with some parents h17th Dec 1907 who are very reluctant to send their children back. In these cases a medical certificate is being demanded. The measles epidemic is still making havoc with our attendance. h23rd May 1912 h20th Dec 1907 Mumps have developed in the Infant Department. Several children were sent home yesterday suffering ...owing to the continued epidemic of measles in the Parish, from swollen glands. the Medical Officer of Health ... has decided that all the Schools should be closed from today until 13th January. This mumps epidemic went on to affect 205 pupils.

h22nd Jan 1908 h20th Nov 1912 There are about 80 children absent through measles. Whooping We have 15 cases of Chicken Pox, all from Cough has also broken out; the janitor having found 10 cases in Miss MacKayʼs class. his visits. h26th Jun 1913 h19th May 1908 During the epidemic of Chickenpox and German measles Since the New Year Holidays we have not been free from we have had 146 cases notified. measles. In fact we have been subject to a second outbreak and I am afraid we are now nearing a third.

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 24 — — 25 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL h5th Nov 1914 h1st Jun 1909 The number of attendances lost through infectious disease Resumed duty to-day after an absence of five weeks. ROADS AND OTHER DANGERS during last school year was 11,267, equal to an average Anaemia was the cause. of 28 pupils. Other causes of teacher absence included bilious Pupils were not the only ones to get ill. Teachersʼ attacks, influenza, verge of a nervous breakdown, absence from work was regularly and dutifully recorded gastric catarrh, swollen face and tonsillitis. in the logs. Even the head teacher was not immune. h29th Jan 1929 h10th Jun 1963 Got intimation of the death of John P. (aged 6). Killed by Tragic news today. Two boys, both in Primary 3, were drowned a motor bus while crossing Kilmarnock Road. in the Cart on Friday 7th June at 8.30pm. Today a P1 boy was killed by a motor on his way back to school after lunch. h11th Feb 1930 Owing to an accident on Friday 7th in which a boy, Osborne B. h18th Apr 1978 in Inf I was knocked down and the loss of a leg, by amputation, Stray dog bit four boys in the playground at 9am. Two boys DEATH threatened, I sent a letter requesting police supervision of the were taken home for treatment, one boy was taken to hospital Kilmarnock Rd – Miller St Crossing. by mother, and the fourth boy was taken to hospital by a School Auxilliary. The dog was taken to Police Station to be uplifted by officers from the Dog and Cat Home. Meningitis amongst school children was as feared then as it is now: h19th Feb 1907 h2nd Dec 1912 The sanitary inspector has reported a case of Cerebro Spinal Miss Murray was on the staff of Crossmyloof and Langside Fever – that of Flora T. residing at 4 Millar Street. Schools for 28 years. CHARITY PLUMBING & HEATING The two attendances were run together and the classes h21st Feb 1907 dismissed at 1pm on account of Miss Murrayʼs funeral. Annie McD., 6 years of age, who lived with the above Flora T., This was most likely Eliza Murray, the deputy head died on Wednesday morning from Cerebro Spinal Fever. McD. of Crossmyloof Public School when it opened, under h9th May 1902 h17th Jan 1881 was an orphan and cousin of T.ʼs. The two girls slept together Mr Thomson. The children this week gathered 35/- for the Ibrox Park Disaster Temperature very low to-day. The thermometer in class-room and McD. is supposed to have contracted the disease from T. Relief Fund. This was sent to the Glasgow Evening News Fund being below the freezing point. h8th Nov 1920 and duly acknowledged. 22nd Feb 1907 h A parent (Mr M.) informed me this morning that his daughter Twenty six died when a stand collapsed at a Scotland v h24th Jan 1907 The attendance has fallen to 700 (Friday). The two deaths have Primrose M. died in Hospital on Saturday evening 6th England match on 5th April. The temperature is extremely cold, and we have had the utmost caused quite a scare amongst the parents. inst of Scarlet Fever. She was at school on Thursday 4th inst. difficulty in obtaining sufficient heat. In a few of the rooms the The influenza pandemic of late 1918 caused much h28th Dec 1906 temperature was below 40° [4°C] at the opening of the school h6th Jan 1908 sickness and absence in the school, but surprisingly little The children made a collection for the hospitals today. The sum this morning. serious illness, given the enormous devastation it caused I was away from school part of this afternoon attending the obtained was from the Infants 16/-, from the rest of the school worldwide. Only one death is recorded in the logs, and funeral of Mr Thomson, formerly Head-Master of Crossmyloof £2.15.1/-. h7th Feb 1907 Public School and latterly, until his retiral from active duty Head that was in 1922. The money was distributed as follows: One of the water pipes in infant boys urinal has burst Master of Mt Florida School. I was an assistant under him for Cripple Childrenʼs League 16/- this morning. about fifteen years. h8th Feb 1922 Victoria Infirmary £1-1-0 Mr McNab a member of our staff died on the 6th inst from the Sick Childrens Hospital £1-15-0 h8th Feb 1907 h29th Nov 1912 after effects of influenza. He was an excellent teacher, most Another burst pipe was discovered last night. Miss Murray teacher of Pianoforte died with startling obliging and a faithful colleague. I shall miss his services very h16th Apr 1908 suddenness yesterday afternoon. She had gone into town from much. He had been almost nineteen years a colleague of mine. The children have this week made a collection for the hospitals. h18th Nov 1909 school and in a city warehouse died. Heart failure was the cause. The amount gathered has been £5.16.6. This we have divided As it is impossible to get the temperature above 50° in several between the Victoria Infirmary and the Sick Childrenʼs Hospital, of our class rooms I have written to the Board complaining the former receiving £3.3.0 and the latter £2.13.6. about the matter.

h26th Jan 1910 The heating was very bad, some of the rooms only registering 40°. I am of the opinion that bad stoking is the cause of this.

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 26 — — 27 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY HISTORICAL EVENTS

h20th Oct 1910 h24th Mar 1936 h21st May 1900 h19th May 1910 A sewing machine was today received for use in the school, Scholars assembled in the Hall this morning to listen In honour of the relief of Mafeking the School was not opened The following letter has been received from the Clerk: especially the Supplementary Classes. to a Broadcast Description of the progress of the today. The children were all assembled in the boysʼ playground “It has been arranged to cancel the holiday fixed for Thursday “Queen Mary” down the . and addressed by me. The National Anthem was sung after 19th Inst (Victoria Day) and in lieu thereof to substitute h12th Feb 1915 which three cheers were given for the Queen and Baden Powell; Thursday 2nd prox. The Board have agreed to close all the the children then dispersed. A new gas cooker has been placed in the cookery room h13th Jan 1939 schools on Friday 20th inst, being the day fixed for the funeral by the Glasgow Corporation, free of charge. Work began today on installation of telephone The siege was lifted on 17th May. Baden Powell of his late Majesty, King Edward.” in Headmasterʼs room. achieved national fame for his efforts defending the h15th May 1931 town of Mafeking in the second Boer War in South h28th Jan 1936 Africa, and went on to found the Scouting movement. Funeral of King George V. School closed today. A wireless set was erected in school today and put in the A few years later there appeared to be an attempt by library as a trial. the school to mend relations with the Boers. h27th Sep 1938 A considerable number of pupils were absent today on account A class from 1969 h18th Nov 1904 of the visit of the Queen and the two Princesses to Glasgow and A few of the pupils in the Supplementary Class have Clydebank. Pupils listened to the Broadcast of the launching of commenced a correspondence with Dutch pupils in the the “Queen Elizabeth”. Transvaal. Much good should arise from this. I shall watch the results with considerable interest. h27th Apr 1981 h10th May 1910 School assembly – Colonel Jim Irwin, astronaut of Apollo 15 addressed school. The King, George V, was proclaimed in Glasgow today at 12 noon. At that hour, we gathered all the children in the central hall of the school. The headmaster addressed the pupils, the National Anthem was sung and then three cheers were given for the new King and Queen.

I remember...Royalty

I remember being taken to see a colour Celebrations were held by taking the “film of the Queen’s coronation in 1953 “whole school to Rouken Glen Park for an at the Elephant Cinema, Kilmarnock Road all day picnic. Children were taken by tram (now demolished). No. 8 from Kilmarnock Road to the park and Jean Hamilton, c1951.” Actually the Elephant home by the same means. Cinema is still standing, housing Ethel Austin, & Co Bunty Mulholland, on King George” VI’s coronation, 12th May 1937

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 28 — — 29 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL h20th Jan 1916 the other in the Ralston Home for Paralysed Soldiers, to be called “Langside Public School” Bed. WAR From September 1914 to June 1915 the following articles were We have much pleasure in enclosing herewith our receipt made by pupils and teachers for the soldiers and sailors of our and on behalf of the Council of the Scottish Branch beg brave Army and Navy: you will convey their most sincere thanks to the pupils of 24 night shirts 75 pairs socks Langside Public School for this splendid contribution and 18 Sleeping semmits 30 pairs hose tops for their kindly interest in our work, for which the council Britain declared war on Germany on 4th August 1914. 6 Bed jackets 14 body belts is very grateful indeed. 4 Doz pillow cases 1 cardigan vest We will have pleasure in carrying out your instructions 170 mufflers 3 pairs bed socks regarding the naming of the beds, the plates for which h9th Sep 1914 h28th Jun 1917 92 pairs of cuffs 6 chest protectors we will put in order at once. 78 pairs of mittens European War: Mr McNab left this morning for active service. On Thursday Mr Smith paid a surprise visit to the school having Thanking you for your interest in the matter and with 31 pairs of gloves He is a member of the national reserve and volunteered. The newly arrived from France. He has a most hearty reception from renewed and grateful thanks to the kind donors 26 Sleeping helmets (woollen) Board has agreed to pay the salaries of those going to the the pupils who were assembled in the Central Hall of the school. We are, front. Mr Smith has also joined Lochielʼs regiment of Cameron In many instances these little parcels, (socks, mufflers, etc) had Yours faithfully Highlanders and will probably leave in a few days. h3rd Sep 1917 packets of sweets and tobacco enclosed as an “extra” for the Kerr, Anderson & Macleod gallant defenders of their country. Hon Treas There is difficulty in filling their places as they are both Miss Jessie Robertson (Mrs Dick) resigned during the holidays. Pupils also collected almost 300lbs of silver paper and excellent teachers and men cannot be got to fill the vacancies. She was a most capable teacher, and had served as a pupil h4th Oct 1916 tin foil, and were encouraged in thrift and in purchase Later the same day: teacher in Crossmyloof. She has been a member of the staff here Fifty eight names have been received from ladies wishing to of War Savings Certificates. Mr Smith has been rejected for service at the war owing to since the opening of the School. The prospect of motherhood is attend the special War Cookery Classes which begin in school varicose veins in the legs. the cause of her resignation. tomorrow. hAug 1918 He did manage to join up in January 1915, however. Tragically, as we have seen, Jessie Robertsonʼs husband had already been killed in action. At the woodwork classes the following have been made h11th Nov 1916 by the boys during the session 1917-18: 2150 periscopes, h25th Feb 1915 h19th Sep 1917 In the month of September 1916 we resolved to make an 11 pairs crutches, 22 sets artificial limbs. Mr Ernest McNab, one of our Staff, who has been on active effort in School among teachers and pupils to raise £50 for the In order to give teachers and pupils an opportunity of seeing service since Sept 1914 has received a commission in his purpose of endowing a bed in one of our Red Cross Hospitals... the King on the occasion of his visit to Messrs Weirs Works, regiment, 5th Scottish Rifles. Mr Smith is also in this regiment. All set to work and towards the end of October we issued Cathcart, we ran the two attendances together and dismissed collecting cards to all those pupils who were willing to try at 1.30pm. h23rd Nov 1916 and get donations from friends. Others made artificial flowers, Miss Forsyth has sent word to the Board that she is about to be h18th Mar 1918 lavender bags, sweets, etc and gave the proceeds of sale towards married to Mr Smith, a member of the staff here, and at present our fund. Mrs Smith is absent today. Her husband Capt Jas Smith has on Military Service. She asks the Board to allow her to remain The efforts of all have resulted in a huge success, far exceeding arrived home from France suffering from gas poisoning. on the staff under the exceptional circumstances. our anticipations. £120 have been raised, and our fund His respite from the front was too short; he was back is now closed. h7th May 1917 in action a month later. 17th Nov 1916 Mrs Dick (Miss Jessie Robertson) has just received word that h her husband has been killed in action in Palestine. She is now h24th Apr 1918 The following has been received from the Scottish Branch, absent on leave. We also this week received information that Capt Jas Smith British Red Cross Society: M.C., a member of our Staff had been severely wounded in 149 West George Street h1st Jun 1917 France. Glasgow 14th Nov 1916 John S Gilchrist Esq The title of the Qualifying Examination Composition paper was The pupils also contributed to the war effort, although Headmaster “What we did to win the war.” their trust in the benefits of tobacco might not be matched these days. Langside Public School 102 of 106 pupils, average age 12 years, passed. Glasgow h25th Jun 1915 Dear Sir, h27th Jun 1917 We have to acknowledge with many thanks the receipt The children have this week collected 8,000 cigarettes, 230 We received word this morning that Mr Smith, one of the Staff of your kind letter of yesterday, enclosing Cheque for cigars, 61⁄2lb tobacco, 60 doz boxes matches, 58 pipes, and on active service had received the Military Cross for gallant £100 as a contribution from the pupils of Langside Public several packets of sweets for the wounded soldiers in our service in France. The school flag was unfurled and the children School for the purpose of endowing two beds, one in the hospitals. Sixteen shillings in money was also received. The as well as the teachers were delighted at the news. Scottish National Red Cross Hospital, and Hospitals supplied with above are Aitkenhead House, House, , Royal, Western and Victoria Infirmaries, from each of which letters of thanks have been received. Fundraising poster for Bellahouston Hospital

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 30 — — 31 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL here as one of the staff. Mrs Smith has been a faithful teacher h27th Sep 1918 and has done excellent work. Our War Savings have this week reached £4014. In honour of this the two attendances were run together and the school h12th May 1919 LANGSIDE AND CROSSMYLOOF SCHOOLS dismissed at 1.30pm. Mr Jas Smith resumed his duties today after four and a half years service in the army which he joined as a private and left WAR MEMORIAL UNVEILED h11th Nov 1918 (Armistice Day) a Captain. He was badly wounded and is still lame. Today about 11.15am an aeroplane soared above the school With impressive ceremony, which was witnessed by a large gathering of ladies and gentlemen, and district throwing rockets, lights, etc. This was understood h26th Nov 1919 the tablet, which has been placed in the hall of Langside School to commemorate the former as a signal that the expected armistice had been signed by Mr James J Smith M.A. is absent on leave today, to attend pupils of that school and also of Crossmyloof School, who fell in the war, was unveiled on Germany. About the same time word was received from the Post at Buckingham Palace, London, to receive Military Cross. Office that the Germans had submitted. Work in school was Tuesday night. The tablet, which is of oak, was designed by Mr William Morrison, the second at once stopped; the pupils were assembled in the central hall master. The Rev James Fraser presided, and he was accompanied to the platform by Mrs Fraser, and addressed by the Headmaster. The flags were displayed, h15th Jun 1920 the Rev J McNeill Frazer, Rev Wlliam Ogg, Rev J Victor Logan, Mr J R Lyons, Mr Alex Martin, National Anthem sung, and the pupils received the remains The War Memorial placed in Central Hall was unveiled on the and Mr John S Gilchrist, headmaster. Mr Gilchrist intimated apologies from Sir Charles Cleland, of the day as a holiday. evening of 15th June 1920. Rev Jas Fraser, chairman of late Chairman, Mr John Clark, Director of Education, Canon de Backer, Archibald McPhie, Mr Hugh Cathcart Board presided and performed the ceremony. The Robertson, of the Glasgow Education Authority, Mr D G Moodie and the Rev James McMillan. h25th Nov 1918 proceedings opened with the singing of two verses of 124th He thanked so many ladies and gentlemen for the presence at the unveiling of the memorial, Psalm second version. Mr Ogg a member of Cathcart Board of which the lads were worthy. He also thanked pupils, parents and all who had contributed Received by Mr Burnett, teacher of woodwork: and the new Education Authority addressed the gathering, to the memorial. War Office after which the headmaster read the roll of those whose names The Rev William Ogg, in a brief address, remarked that they did not say that the lads whose London SW1 were on the tablet. The chairman was then asked to perform 15th Nov 1918 names were on the tablet were more heroic than those who survived. Sacrifice was not less the unveiling ceremony, which he did after a very impressive sacrifice, because it had not been terminated by death. Sir, address. Mr Gilchrist, in a solemn voice, read out the names on the tablet, and called on the chairman I am commanded by the Army Council to convey to you The dedication prayer was offered by Rev Jas McNeill Frazer. to unveil the memorial. the Councilʼs hearty thanks for the good work you have Then followed the “National Anthem”, “Flowers of the Forest” voluntarily done for so long a time in producing at your by Pipe Major Bain and the sounding of “The Last Post” by The Rev. James Fraser, before withdrawing the veil, thanked Mr Gilchrist and the members of school and forwarding to the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich buglers from 2nd Gordon Highlanders. A most impressive his staff for the honour they had done him. There was only one reason he knew why he should without charge large numbers of periscopes for Army use. service was thus brought to a close. be asked to perform that honourable duty, and that was his long connection with the old School For a period of nearly three years these periscopes have A newspaper cutting is pasted into the school log book, Board of Cathcart – first as an ordinary member of the Board and latterly as Chairman. He been used in the instruction of large numbers of troops. and describes the event (facing page). mentioned some of the activities and agencies carried on in the school during the period of the war. No fewer than 4740 articles were made by the girls, and dispatched to our sailors and The time has now arrived when the council no longer The pupils were still sending annual gifts to the soldiers and also to our hospitals. The boys in the manual instruction department made 3500 needs the help which you and your scholars have so occupants of the Langside School beds at Bellahouston periscopes besides sets of crutches and artificial limbs. A monthly collection was instituted, and patriotically given, but the Council desires to place on and Ralston Hospitals as late as 1930. Bellahouston the amount contributed by the pupils was £438 10/-, and by the staff £258 18/-, in all £697 record its high appreciation of the services you and they closed in 1931, the remaining patients transferring have given to the Army. to Erskine. 8/-. With part of that money the school endowed two beds – one in Bellahouston Hospital, Signed BB White and one in Ralston Hospital. From the time that was done in 1916 up to the present moment the school has kept in touch with the occupants of the beds, and from time to time deputations of h10th Mar 1919 The War Memorial in the teachers and scholars have visited these hospitals. The War Savings Association had a great Central Hall at Langside success, and is continued in a flourishing condition. The sum collected to date was £7300, which Mr Wm McNab returned to at the end of five years will be worth £9400. When the proposal was started last year to erect school today after 41⁄2 years a war memorial the sum aimed at was £100, and the response of parents, friends, teachers and service with the army. scholars was so hearty that the figure had been exceeded, so that the memorial will be unveiled free of debt. Between 600 and 700 boys belonging to the school were on service, besides three h9th Apr 1919 members of the staff, and one of the latter, Mr Smith, gained the M.C. With the exception of Mrs Jas Smith who has the V.C., all the various honours had been gained by some of the boys, and several gained been a member of the Staff double honours. The boys joined up from all parts of the world, particularly from Canada, and for the past twelve years several of the names on the memorial were of old Crossmyloof and Langside boys who went has resigned. She leaves on to Canada, intent on settling there, but who joined up on the outbreak of war. The memorial Friday. Her husband, Capt Jas contained 67 names – 66 boys and 1 girl – a nurse who died on service. Smith has been discharged from the army, after almost The chairman then unveiled the memorial. Prayer was offered by the Rev J McNeill Frazer, a year in hospital. He intends the “Flowers of the Forest” was played by the piper, and the bugler sounded the Last Post. taking a monthʼs holiday The singing of the National Anthem concluded the proceedings. before resuming his duties

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 32 — — 33 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL h4th Oct 1939 h28th Jun 1940 WAR, AGAIN 217 men of 945, 946 & 947 squadrons arrive from Received notice this morning that the school was to Cardigan, Bedford. remain open during July and August primarily for social, The three RAF squadrons often used the school recreational and health purposes under adequate supervision as a base, while operating between them 120 by the Teaching Staff. barrage balloons in the Glasgow & Renfrew area. h14th Apr 1938 h19th Jul 1940 (The final entry in the log book) The Headmaster was absent h20th Nov 1939 Air raid practice was carried out this morning at ten oʼclock. each forenoon this week to Instruction of pupils in three Senior Classes in groups of not The Offi cer Commanding advised that the children should attend a course of training more than twenty began in School today. Only one group of remain in the shelters as he had received warning that an air in Air Raid Precautions. pupils was allowed in the building at any one time. raid was in progress. Log books continued to be kept until relatively recently, h29th Mar 1939 h4th Dec 1939 but none beyond 1940 are currently available to The Headmaster left the members of the public. Their secrets might yet be A large proportion of the evacuees have now returned school today at 2.45pm revealed at the schoolʼs 150th anniversary. to Glasgow. to attend a meeting... in connection with the By April 1940 the school was busy again teaching Government Evacuation 358 pupils, mostly for a half day only. Scheme in time of war. h28th Aug 1939 School reopened today... Eleven men of C Flight 946 squadron RAF were billeted in the School today. h31st Aug 1939 Telegram was received today notifying headmaster that children were to be evacuated on Saturday 2nd September. The School was closed according to instructions. h2nd Sep 1939 The children were evacuated today to several parishes in the south of Kirkcudbright. Germany had invaded Poland the day before, and war was declared on Germany on the 3rd. h20th Oct 1939 Arrangements were completed for the fi ve teachers reporting at the School to teach small groups of children in private houses for two hours daily.

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 34 — — 35 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL I remember...The War A FINAL WORD

“My years spent at Langside were among the happiest Bombs were dropped in nearby Deanston Drive and the corner of The area below of my life. It was a wonderful school and I owe it “James Gray Street. I lived at No 9 Lethington Avenue and a German “the boys’ top an enormous debt of gratitude. The teachers were bomber actually crash landed in the grounds behind us. I remember playground was second to none and the learning gained from them has seeing the crew being led away. used as an air raid I do recall that the more senior side of the school had both a higher shelter. In the early supported me magnificently throughout my entire life.” and lower playground and this reminds me of the tale of a “sinister” plan stages of the war Jean Hamilton, c1951 hatched by a group who shall remain nameless, to chalk a large scale people actually image of a swastika on the lower level. The plan was leaked and Mr left their homes Wright interviewed the gang members who confessed to hoping that and went there the RAF, upon returning from a raid on Germany, might have a couple in the middle of of bombs left! No punitive action was taken although we understand the night, but they Mr Wright nearly did himself an injury suppressing his laughter behind soon became fed a grave front. up with this and James Manderson,” c1942 stayed at home. Jack Dougan, ” c1945

When the school was closed for a time, due to the war, the classes “were spread out over several homes, and ours was one of them. The Form Teacher was in charge of a small class of us girls, seated round our I remember large table in the dining room, three days a week. Every time the door “being the only boy bell rang I would get up to answer it, despite the fact my mother was in in Miss Cameron’s the kitchen to do so. From this you can guess I disliked the home lessons class who could as much as I had in school. knit. I was so The school was turned into a rest centre for the bomb victims, and ashamed when no volunteers like my mother provided them with food and clothing. Where one else (boys I they went to after that I have no idea, but after a raid, it was sad to mean) put up their see these people trailing along the road to the school, some still in their hands. At that time dressing gowns and pyjamas. it was needed to I still remember knitting squares for the troops’ blankets, and being knit 6 inch squares very jealous when about a dozen members of my class had to go to the to make blankets front to get presents – and I didn’t get one – only to discover they were for the War effort. the ones who lost their homes in the Deanston Drive bombing. George Taylor, ” Marjorie Brown, c1938 ” c1945

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 36 — — 37 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL LANGSIDE SCHOOL HEAD TEACHERS

Mr John S Gilchrist 22 Feb 1897 – 13 Apr 1923 Mr Mark Drummond 1 May 1923 – 16 Nov 1924 Mr James Hall Maxwell 8 Dec 1924 – 14 Jan 1927 Mr Henry J Campbell 17 Jan 1927 – 6 Jan 1929 Mr Alexander Burns 7 Jan 1929 – 31 Aug 1932 Mr William P Watson 1 Sep 1932 – 1935 Mr George Wright 1935 – 1944 Mr Robert Tulloch 1944 – 1950 Mr William Hogg 1950 – 1952 Mr Angus Maciver* 1952 – 1958 Mr James Johnston 1958 – 1968 Mr James McCormick 1968 – 1974 Mr Chas G McGinley 1974 – 1981 Ms Lilias W Martin 1981 – 1989 Mr Ian McDonald Sep 1989 – Dec 1991 Mrs Christine Wilson 13 Jan 1992 – present

INFANT DEPARTMENT

Miss Jessie McDonald Aug 1906 – 27 Feb 1925 Miss McComb 27 Feb 1925 – 6 Jan 1929 Miss Henrietta McCreadie 7 Jan 1929 – 19 Apr 1931 Miss Sarah Cameron 20 Apr 1931 – Unknown

*Angus Maciver wrote ʻThe New First Aid in English”, a widely used textbook that is still in print today.

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 38 — — 39 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL FORMER LANGSIDERS AT THE CENTENARY REUNION

Morag Auld (nee Judith Dalziel (nee J Robertson MacRaild) Macdonald) Douglas Meikle Jessie Miller (nee Alison Graham Marion Faulds Turpie) Margaret Orr Margaret Prufer (nee Pauline Ferguson (nee Jeanette Blackie Higgins) Farquhar) Beryl Quinn Margaret Galston (nee Ann Gray Louise Robertson Louden) Debbie Nelson Jill Henderson (nee David Liddell Gordon Brown Inglis) Jean Hamilton Marion Alexander Nita Taylor Ann Martin May McDougall June Park Christopher Whitfi eld Alasdair Donaldson Linda Allan George Taylor Andrea McKay Connie Jean Johnston (nee Jean Smith Fee Menzies) Gillian Graham Norman Kilpatrick Dorothy Mair (nee Vicki Chalmers James Lamond Henderson) Kenneth Morrison Violet S? (nee Dick) Dorothy Boyd (nee Andrew Elliot Marie McLachlan (nee Campbell) Anne MacGregor (nee Langley) Mildred Drysder (nee McKerlie) David McLachlan Millar) Audrey Gardner (nee David Faulds Kathleen Watt (nee Scarle) Nisbet) Jean Melville (nee Robertson)

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 40 — — 41 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL REFERENCES

Rev Mr David Dow. Statistical Accounts of Scotland: Cathcart, County of Renfrew. 1791-99, Vol 5, p 354 Rev James Smith. New Statistical Accounts of Scotland: Cathcart, County of Renfrew. 1834-45, Vol 7, p 495 Langside School Log Books, Mitchell Library D-ED7 129 (Vol 1-3) Balfour, Andrew. Langside Public School Architectural Plans 1904, Mitchell Library 2/375 Empress Training Ship Band (Photograph) © Fiona McInnes The Tawse (Photograph) © Colin Farrell, www.corpun.com Bellahouston Hospital Poster © British Red Cross Society Friends Reunited, www.friendsreunited.co.uk School photographs kindly submitted by former pupils Cover Illustration © Andrew Downie

LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL — 42 — — 43 — LIFE IN A 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL Langside Primary School 1906 – 2006 Life in a 20th century school © Dr Andrew C Downie 2007 With thanks to the Staff of the Mitchell Library and Langside Primary School Photographs & illustrations reproduced with permission [email protected]

Cover Illustration: Langside Primary then and now. Andrew Balfourʼs original drawing, of 1904, and how it appeared in 2006